Limestone County authorities arrested four Huntsville residents Wednesday for arson in connection with an early morning fire at an East Limestone County business.

“We think they set fire to the building with a flare and then went to a nearby church parking lot to watch it burn,” said Chief Investigator Stanley McNatt. “All four have admitted to setting the fire.”

Arrested and jailed on a charge of second-degree arson are Solaimon Barary, 18, of 917 Speake Road, Huntsville; Jarad Creech, 18, of 1109 Huwitt St., Huntsville, and Dionisio Reed, 22, of 3507 Lindale Lane, Huntsville. A 16-year-old juvenile was also arrested and has been released to the custody of his parents.

McNatt said all four are accused of setting fire to the building occupied by A Classic Fence on the 26000 block of U.S. 72 East. He said the blaze heavily damaged a tow motor and other items that included a forklift and building materials, which were stored in the building.

“We think some of them had been drinking and they pulled in there and used a flare to start the fire,” said McNatt. “A nearby resident heard an explosion and looked out and saw it and called the Sheriff’s Department.

“When deputies arrived they found the building on fire and discovered the suspects in the church parking lot,” he added.

McNatt said the incident was reported to investigators shortly after midnight. He said Investigator Randy King made the arrests and is continuing to investigate.

“It was just meanness. We have no other motive for it,” McNatt said.

The building is located behind Sutton’s Furniture near the Madison County line, investigators said.